Pages

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Vanilla Salted Peanut Cookies (and my extended absence)

It has been almost three weeks since my last post. That's a record for me. According to all the blog experts, this is also a way to lose readership. Knowing all of these things, I have been in a rather miserable state of mind, and just couldn't muster up the mojo to write about food. I'm sorry.

My husband has been telling me that he's tired of seeing that Olallieberry Dutch Baby on my blog, so today I will change the recipe! What?

Yes, there is a recipe in this post-- and please feel free to scroll past my personal update on why I've been absent. Here goes:

Many of my followers/readers/friends know that I underwent major surgery on June 11th. I had a total left knee replacement. I checked into the hospital, like a brave little soldier-- iPad fully charged, with all my iMagazines downloaded. I factored in that there would be pain involved. I wrapped my mind around there being a six-inch scar down the middle of my knee. I carefully interviewed three orthopedic surgeons, and chose the one who has the best reputation in town.

The surgery was a success. Technically. There were some definite hiccups. Like, my epidural went a bit awry, so when a team of physical therapists insisted I stand up on my new knee within four hours of surgery-- they couldn't grasp my desperate pleas for mercy. My right leg was so numb (from the epidural) that I could not will it to move. The pain! Oh, the pain!

I had no idea I was capable of the guttural screams that came out of my throat-- and I was not giving birth! Once the epidural was removed, and I was given mega doses of gnarly pain meds, I began the arduous work of trying to walk with my new knee. I threw up a lot, and food lost any hint of interest to me. I was discharged on Day #4. The ride home, in the car, wasn't pleasant at all. Getting out of the car was difficult-- as any movement to my knee made those screams come back. I'm not gonna lie-- this is a worse pain than anything I have ever experienced!

Before I checked into the hospital, I baked these cookies for my husband. He loves salted peanuts, and I spotted this recipe in King Arthur Flour's magazine subscription, "The Baking Sheet". There's a lot of vanilla in this recipe, and it's what makes the recipe work. The cookies have a combination of shortening and butter, oatmeal (for texture), brown sugar and white chocolate chips-- all pantry staples.

Of course, you need salted peanuts.

The cookies were baked at 350F for 11-13 minutes. I tasted the first batch and thought the cookies were good-- but nothing earth shattering.

For batch #2, I sprinkled some extra sea salt on top.

Now, that's a good cookie! Yes, the salt was just what this cookie needed.

I got a little over four dozen cookies--and shared them with my co-workers. One of them remarked that they tasted like "Pay Day Bars"(minus the caramel).

These cookies will satisfy those of you who love that sweet & salt (and crunchy) combo. Plus, they're super easy to make.

Where am I today? It was been 2-1/2 weeks since my surgery. Truth be told, the way I feel today, I am having seconds thoughts on my decision to have a knee replacement. Given the continuous pain, the horrible rash on my back (a reaction to the tape from the epidural), the nausea from the medication, a total loss of appetite-- I've definitely had better days. On the positive side, I have a fabulous physical therapist, who comes to my home three days a week. I, affectionately, call him my "Physical Terrorist".
That's another thing-- everyone told me to do my physical therapy, no matter what. Let me tell you, that I admire anyone who can endure the pain of having your knee bent to break up scar tissue. The screams that came from under the pillow that I placed over my face sounded like I was being skinned and flayed alive! My knee is pretty much frozen stiff, and I'm trying my hardest to get it to bend. Apparently, I am so paralyzed with anxiety and fear of pain that I'm causing my muscles to tighten. No matter how many pep talks I've had, I haven't had a miracle breakthrough. Is this a self-pity party? No! These are my honest feelings and angst. Every day, I feel a little bit better and I know that this shall pass.

My future recipes: I have three more weeks to work on my rehab, and plenty of time on my hands to write. Sadly, I can't cook or bake, because I'm still relying on my walker for stability and support. Plus, there's the lack of appetite thing that's going on. Hopefully, that will change-- and I can embrace the weight loss I'm having.

Thank you for listening to my surgery update. I do miss the world of Food Blogging, as this is my creative outlet. My husband and son have stepped up to the plate, to take care of my needs. I feel blessed and very thankful for that. Thank you to those of you who have sent me private emails, wishing me well. They truly do lift my spirits.

I miss not visiting my favorite blogs-- but in truth, food (at this time) has lost interest to me. I know this is a very temporary thing. Most importantly, so are the bouts of boredom, despair and hopelessness. I've been told this is perfectly normal. I am not giving up food blogging! I will be back!

26 comments:

I miss you. I'll be here always, whenever you're up to being back. I love your blog, you always make me smile and I wish I could return the favor. Love your outlook and your honesty and I hope things get better soon. I'll be thinking of you.

Sorry you are having such a tough time! I had to relearn walking, though without the awful pain you are having, and know it can be a very demoralizing experience. I also couldn't eat much but when your appetite returns I'd recommend getting an adjustable height bar stool like this http://www.completecareshop.co.uk/disability-elderly-aid-large/3380/vinyl_seat_perching_stool_-_adjustable_height_with_armrests.html?gclid=CNiooIWVi7gCFc3HtAodUgQAzg - I found it invaluable until I got the strength back in my leg. Not much comfort as it is a long slow process but you will get there! Take care of yourself.

I'm so sorry to hear about your misery Debby. I was following your surgery updates on Facebook and then we moved and were without internet for a week, so I'm glad to hear you are home. I hate that you are in such pain. It sounds awful. I live with chronic pain, but nothing like you have. I pray for a speedy recovery.

Don't worry about us. The faithful ones, such as myself and zillions of others, will be here for you, so don't push yourself for us. Take time to heal and I hope your appetite will return soon too.

I found your blog on foodblogs.com. I had to comment because I have known a couple of people who've had knee replacements. Of all the surgery's that friends of mine have had, knee replacement surgery has been the toughest recovery. But they did recover! It just took a ton of hard work. I can also relate to how hard it is to be away from your blog for an extended period of time. Life does sometimes interfere with our plans - I've gone uncomfortably long stretches without posting. Anyhow, I hope you have a quick recovery. The cookies look amazing! I'm not a huge fan of sweets but I'm going to make these - the peanuts and the salt and the vanilla sound like a winning combination. Best, Lisa

I'm very sorry that your recovery is so difficult, Debby. Hopefully in a couple of weeks when you are doing better all the pain will be forgotten (or at least not so vivid in your mind) I have said many times in my life that if I knew beforehand what I was getting into I would never have done something. Don't worry about your fans abandoning you...not a chance.

You were missed and now I know. So sorry to hear about the pain, bit I know it can happen (retired RN). Please - take it easy for a while and yes, post only when YOU feel like it.Those cookies sound like fun and are the general type that we enjoy. Maybe next week. To a speedy recovery, I'll toast you with a peanut cookie! Best wishes, -C.

I love your recipes and just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery. As a physical therapist I know what you are going through but it will get better. ^ months for it to feel like your own, 1 year and you'll have your own knee. Make little goals to keep from getting depressed. I love reading your blog and I wish you all the best.Anne

Oh Debby, I am so sorry your recovery is so difficult! I am hoping that things improve for you every day and that in time you will be happy with the results from the surgery. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Please take your time recovering and do not worry about posting recipes to your blog. You have many loyal followers that will be here for you no matter what.

P.S. I hope you were able to get your hands on some minestrone soup. I know you were craving that! I actually love the minestrone from Carraba's (not sure if you have them there of if they do take out).

Oh, and I do love those cookies. Will have to pin them and make them sometime when my son is at school (he's allergic to nuts).

I'm so sorry you are in pain. When I had my knee repaired, which is nothing compared to a knee replacement, the physical therapy was the worst part but I'm so glad I stuck with it! Hang in there, I'm praying for your speedy recovery. Love your blog, you are missed.

Hi, I am so sorry to hear about ur pain. I have been a fan of your recipes and your writing and wish you the very best and a good recovery. Hope to see you back in action soon. And I doubt your followers will stop reading your lovely blog if u re absent a while :) Take Care.

Oh my dear, so sorry to hear what you're going through. Don't even want to imagine it since it's on my dance card in the reasonable future. Lucky you have such a supportive family! Don't worry about losing your readers, we enjoy your blog immensely and aren't going anywhere. Just post when you're really feeling up to it. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

I just started reading your blog and wondered why there were no new posts! So sorry to hear of your pain. My husband had both of his knees replaced in the last 18 months, about six months apart.

His advice: take your pain meds regularly, do your exercises and go to all your PT appointments. Exercise really will make things better. Don't try to be brave about the pain. He took them for at least 6 weeks.

Your blogging and recipes always brighten my day and I really appreciate that. I hope I can return the favor and brighten your day by wishing you a full recovery and letting you know that you are missed. Best wishes...

Debby, I hope your recovery is progressing and you start feeling like your "old" self again soon. Injury or illness can really get you down sometimes so be gentle with yourself and remember that you WILL thrive again! Each day is closer to a new normal and know that you have lots of fans pulling for renewed strength and full healing. Take care of YOU!

Hey Debby, hang in there. I've got two friends that had knee replacement surgery and it does get better. Ultimately it changed their lives for the better! Glad for you that the worst is over. I'm loving the vanilla salted peanut cookies. Anything with sweet and salty is good with me. Great recipe!

Undergoing physical therapy is an important part of the recovery stage after surgery. You shouldn't ignore this if you want to restore a 100% good condition. No matter how painful it is, you need to bear it. After all, it's for your own good. But of course, only licensed physical therapists know what best to do and how to help relieve your pain. Ask your doctor as well if you are allowed some form of pain reliever.

Welcome!

Welcome to my internet kitchen. Please, sit back and relax, and watch me make delicious food and bakery recipes. Most of my recipes are simple, flavorful meals-- and a few baked treats. I focus on using fresh, seasonal ingredients and I try to avoid using boxed mixes and processed foods. I'm having fun learning how to cook like my grandmother once did-- from scratch! I hope that my step-by-step photos will inspire a timid cook to try them. Even if you're a seasoned cook, hopefully you'll learn a new tip or two.

If you have any questions,or just want to say "hello", please feel free to email me: foodiewife@gmail.com

For Potato Lovers (Like Me)

Grab A Button

Do you "Pinterest"?

Privacy Policy

This policy is valid from 30 August 2014

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. Those advertisements will be identified as paid advertisements.

The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.